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Unwanted Dogs Get Second Chance With 'Throw Away Dogs Project'

MARLTON, N.J. (CBS) --  Dogs who were once castaways are now getting a second chance, and making a difference, thanks to some compassionate volunteers.

The transformation is all thanks to the Throw Away Dogs Project.

Shelter dogs sometimes aren't the type you can cuddle up with on the couch.

"I want to prove shelter dogs are not throw away dogs," Carol Skaziak told Eyewitness News.

Skaziak started the Throw Away Dogs Project two years ago.

The goal is to take discarded dogs, possibly destined to be euthanized, and train it for police and law enforcement work.

Like one dog named King, for example. He was given up by his original owner and neglected, but his play drive is too intense to make a good pet. Now he has a second shot.

Bob Campanile is a volunteer trainer for the Throw Away Dogs Project and a retired Stafford Police department K9 officer.

"They either got it or they don't. If it's in them genetically and has been suppressed we can get it out of them," Campanile said.

Not all of the dogs pass the test though; only about a third of the shelter dogs have what it takes to be placed.

"We can't save every dog, but the one you can will make a world of difference."

Skaziak's program depends 100% on donations.

"So many dogs are just thrown away like trash," she says.

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